AI-powered drone rescues lost hikers in Kosciuszko National Park
Consensus Summary
Two hikers in their 20s were rescued within five hours in Kosciuszko National Park after an AI-powered drone with thermal imaging located them about 500 meters off the Dead Horse Gap track. The incident, occurring on June 25, 2026, marked the first use of Fire and Rescue NSW’s drone AI system for rescues, significantly reducing search time. The drone’s four cameras, including infrared, analyzed real-time images to detect humans, and rescuers used its built-in speaker to guide the hikers to safety. Both sources agree the technology minimized risk for rescuers and could be expanded for future emergencies, such as dropping overnight care packages. The ABC highlights the drone’s broader capabilities, including augmented reality mapping and monitoring environmental hazards, while the Guardian notes the hikers used a mobile phone light to attract the drone and emphasizes the need for hikers to register Personal Locator Beacons.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Two men in their 20s were rescued within five hours after being reported missing on Tuesday, June 25, 2026, at 7pm near the Dead Horse Gap walking track, 35km southwest of Jindabyne, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW.
- The hikers were found about 500 meters (0.5km) off the walking track.
- Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) used an AI-powered drone with thermal imaging to locate the hikers, marking the first time the drone’s AI detection system was used to rescue missing people.
- The drone’s thermal camera and AI system detected the hikers, and rescuers used the drone’s built-in speaker to contact them and guide them out of the park.
- The hikers suffered mild effects of exposure but declined medical treatment at the scene.
- FRNSW Inspector Phillip Eberle stated the technology likely reduced the search time by several days, calling it a first-of-its-kind mission.
- The drone features four cameras, including infrared, allowing real-time analysis of thousands of images to identify humans, vehicles, and animals.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The drone’s AI system can recognize moving heat sources and displays the exact location of detected objects on screen.
- The drone includes augmented reality mapping to show fire trails, bush tracks, and roads during search operations.
- Inspector Russell Turner, FRNSW Aviation Unit team leader, mentioned the drone’s technology could monitor conditions in emergencies like chemical spills (e.g., dead fish in creeks).
- FRNSW has introduced the drone as part of a statewide technology upgrade over the past 18 months.
- The hikers used a red light on a mobile phone to attract the drone in the dark.
- The drone’s spotlight was used to direct rescuers on the ground to the hikers.
- Fire and Rescue commander John Marzol urged hikers to notify NPWS before treks and register for free Personal Locator Beacons.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states the hikers were reported missing at 7pm on Tuesday, June 25, 2026, while the ABC does not explicitly state the exact time but confirms the event occurred on Tuesday, June 25, 2026.
Source Articles
Australian rescue team uses AI-powered drone to find lost hikers – video
Two men in their 20s were found within five hours thanks to an artificial intelligence-powered drone, which used thermal imaging to locate them. Two hikers veered off a walking track in Kosciuszko national park, New South Wales, on Tuesday, and were found about half a kilometre off the track. It was the first time the FRNSW drone’s AI detection system had been used to rescue missing people Hikers lost in Kosciuszko national park rescued within five hours by AI drone Continue reading...
Hikers lost near Kosciuszko found by artificial intelligence drone
Rescuers were able to locate the hikers less than five hours after they were reported missing.
Hikers lost in Kosciuszko national park rescued within five hours by AI drone
Fire and Rescue NSW uses thermal imaging and a mobile phone red light to quickly locate men who veered off walking track near Jindabyne Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Two hikers who veered off a walking track in Kosciuszko national park have been found within five hours using a drone powered by artificial intelligence, a first-of-its-kind mission, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has said. The two men, aged in their 20s, were reported missing at 7pm on Tuesday evening af